You’ve always wanted a tree house. As a kid, you dreamed of having a secret fort high up in the branches where you could spend your days reading, playing games, and napping in the sun. Now that you’re an adult, those childhood dreams have come back to you and you’ve decided to finally build a tree house of your own. But where do you start?
One of the most common challenges people face when trying to build a tree house is choosing the right tree. Not all trees are created equal when it comes to tree houses! You’ll want to find a tree that is strong and sturdy, with enough space between the branches to support the weight of your tree house. You’ll also want to make sure the tree is healthy and not at risk of being knocked over in a storm.
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Another common challenge is gathering all the supplies and tools you need. Building a tree house is not a small task, and you’ll need to have the right supplies on hand before you can get started.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to build a tree house, from choosing the right location and tree to gathering supplies and putting it all together.
1. Decide Where You Want To Build Your Tree House
The location is important because it will determine what kind of tree you need, how big your tree house can be, and how stable it will be.
You’ll want to avoid building your tree house in the area of a high wind or next to a body of water where the ground is constantly wet. These conditions will make it more difficult to build a stable tree house.
2. Choose The Right Tree
Not all trees are created equal when it comes to tree houses! You’ll want to find a tree that is strong and sturdy, with enough space between the branches to support the weight of your tree house. Below are some tips when choosing the right tree :
Size Of The Tree
A big enough tree is necessary to support the weight and size of your tree house. The best trees for tree houses are deciduous trees because they have strong, thick branches. Avoid building your tree house in an evergreen tree as the branches are not as strong and can break easily.
Strength Of The Tree
The tree you choose needs to be strong enough to support the weight of your tree house and any furniture or people that will be inside it. The best way to test the strength of a tree is by doing a “bounce test.”
To do this, stand next to the tree and jump up and down on the spot. If the tree shakes or bends, it’s not a good candidate for a tree house.
Health Of The Tree
You’ll also want to make sure the tree is healthy and not at risk of being knocked over in a storm. Look for signs of disease or decay, such as mushrooms growing at the base of the tree or branches that are falling off. If the tree is in good health, it will be better able to support the weight of your tree house.
3. Sketch Out A Plan For Your Tree House
Once you’ve chosen the perfect location and tree, it’s time to start sketching out a plan for your tree house. This is an important step as it will help you figure out how big your tree house can be, what kind of materials you need, and how to put it all together.
When sketching out your plan, be sure to take into account the size and shape of your tree. You’ll also want to consider how you want to access your tree house. The most common way to get into a tree house is by ladder, but you could also install a rope or pulley system.
4. Gather The Necessary Supplies And Tools
Building a tree house is not a small task, and you’ll need to have the right supplies on hand before you can get started. Below is a list of materials you’ll need to build your tree house:
- Lumber: You’ll need lumber to build the frame of your tree house. Be sure to get pressure-treated lumber as it will be less likely to rot or decay.
- Nails: You’ll need nails to attach the lumber together. Be sure to get galvanized nails as they will be less likely to rust.
- Screws: In addition to nails, you’ll also need screws to attach the lumber together. Again, be sure to get galvanized screws as they will be less likely to rust.
- Plywood: You’ll need plywood to create the floor and walls of your tree house. Be sure to get marine-grade plywood as it is stronger and more durable than regular plywood.
- Roofing: You’ll need to choose a roofing material for your tree house. Shingles are a popular choice as they are easy to install. However, you could also use metal roofing or a tarp.
- Siding: Siding is not necessary for a tree house, but it can add an extra layer of protection from the elements.
- Windows: You can choose to add windows to your tree house for ventilation and natural light. Be sure to get the shatterproof glass as it is safer than regular glass.
- Doors: You’ll need a door for your tree house, and you can either build one yourself or purchase a pre-made door.
5. Start Building Your Tree House!
Now that you have all the supplies and tools you need, it’s time to start building your tree house! Here are the steps :
Step 1 : Building The Foundation of Your Tree House
The first step in building your tree house is to create a foundation. This will help support the weight of your tree house and keep it from shifting or wobbling. You can do this by creating piers or stilts out of lumber and concrete.
- To create piers, dig holes that are at least 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide. Then, insert 6×6 lumber into the holes and fill the holes with concrete. Let the concrete cure for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.
- To create stilts, cut 4×4 lumber into 10-foot lengths. then, nail the lumber together to form a rectangle. Next, dig holes that are at least 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide. Place the stilts into the holes and fill the holes with concrete. Let the concrete cure for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step
Step 2 : Building The Walls of Your Tree House
Once the floor is complete, you can start working on the walls. Again, be sure to use pressure-treated lumber and galvanized nails or screws to attach the lumber together. If you want to add windows to your tree house, now is the time to do it.
Step 3 : Building The Roof of Your Tree House
Next, you’ll need to install the roof of your tree house. Be sure to use galvanized nails or screws to attach the roofing material to the lumber. If you want to add siding to your tree house, now is the time to do it.
Step 4 : Building The Door of Your Tree House
Once the siding is installed, you can add the door. If you’re building a door yourself, be sure to use pressure-treated lumber and galvanized nails or screws
Step 5 : Working On The Interior of Your Tree House
Now that the exterior of your tree house is complete, you can start working on the interior. If you want to add insulation to your tree house, now is the time to do it. You can also add electric lights and outlets at this time.
6. Enjoy Your New Tree House!
Once the interior of your tree house is complete, you can sit back and enjoy your new space!
Building a tree house is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can do. With a little planning and the right supplies, you can build a tree house that will be enjoyed for years to come. Be sure to get pressure-treated lumber, galvanized nails or screws, marine-grade plywood, and shatterproof glass to build your tree house. Also, be sure to follow all safety precautions when climbing and working in trees. With a little effort, you can build a tree house that will be the envy of your neighborhood!
FAQ
What is the best type of lumber to use for a tree house?
The best type of lumber to use for a tree house is pressure-treated lumber. This type of lumber is treated with chemicals that help protect it from rot and insect damage
What is the best type of roofing material to use for a tree house?
The best type of roofing material to use for a tree house is marine-grade plywood. This type of plywood is treated with chemicals that help protect it from rot and water damage
What is the best type of glass to use for windows in a tree house?
The best type of glass to use for windows in a tree house is shatterproof glass.
This type of glass is treated with chemicals that help protect it from breaking
What are some other features I can add to my tree house?
Some other features you can add to your tree house include electric lights, outlets, and insulation.
What are some safety precautions I should take when building a tree house?
Some safety precautions you should take when building a tree house include wearing gloves and a hard hat, using a ladder, and having someone else nearby in case you need help.